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England's offensive weaknesses were exposed and punished by a ruthless Australia as the visitors swept to a worryingly straightforward win in the opening Test of the rugby league Ashes series.

The England coach's team had spoken effusively about their drive going into the opening series for 22 years, and they were definitely full of endeavour at Wembley. Yet, in the key instances, it was the reigning title holders who showed more composure in front of a historic crowd for an Ashes Test in the United Kingdom of more than 60,000.

Brilliant Performance from Walsh

Guided by an outstanding showing in offense and defense from club star Walsh, the Kangaroos were worthy and comfortable winners in the opening Test of the three-match series, meaning England must triumph at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next weekend to sustain their hopes of a series victory since 1970.

England will have to be significantly improved with the possession if they are to achieve that. On several instances in the first half, the hosts found themselves in promising positions but they were failed to score for any tries. That was in large measure thanks to Walsh, who pulled off two wonderful turnovers.

Crucial Plays of the Game

The initial came as Herbie Farnworth seemed destined to put Dom Young in for what would have been the opening try, then the fullback stopped Mikey Lewis as half-time approached. By then, the Australians had gone ahead as Walsh himself completed a excellent play.

Cleary added the extras before adding a two-pointer on the stroke of half-time to establish a eight-point lead. It was a significant moment, as was the score for Crichton soon after the resumption which made it fourteen to nil in favor of the Kangaroos. England now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to stifle their drive.

Should there have been uncertainty about the victors, they were decisively settled with a quarter-hour to go. Cameron Munster’s line break was supported by Angus Crichton, who pushed past Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it 20-0 and there was added disappointment in the final minutes as Reece Walsh finished another breathtaking attack, exploiting a tired and visibly shot English defensive line for his second try.

Final Score and Looking Ahead

By then, local supporters had begun to leave early and many did not see Daryl Clark’s late try, which at least avoided the home side being held to nil. However, there are many issues for the coach to answer going into what is now a must-win Test next weekend.

• England: Full team lineup.
• Substitutes: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
• Tries: Clark.
• Goal: Lewis.

• Australia: Starting lineup.
• Interchange: Reserves.
• Scores: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Goals: Cleary 5.